The AI for Scientific Discovery Network+

Summary The Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Intelligence for Automated Investigation for Scientific Discovery Network + (AI3SD) was established in response to the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) late-2017 call for a Network + to promote cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence to accelerate groundbreaking scientific discoveries. This article provides the philosophical, scientific, and technical underpinnings of the Network + , the history of the different domains represented in the Network + , and the specific focus of the Network + . The activities, collaborations, and research covered in the first year of the Network + have highlighted the significant challenges in the chemistry and augmented and artificial intelligence space. These challenges are shaping the future directions of the Network + . The article concludes with a summary of the lessons learned in running this Network + and introduces our plans for the future in a landscape redrawn by COVID-19, including rebranding into the AI 4 Scientific Discovery Network ( www.ai4science.network ).